MMXV

In 2015, the Socceroos won their first major trophy in Australian football history, becoming champions of Asia. To commemorate this historic achievement, as Local FC, we collaborated with Nike Australia to create 'MMXV', a 120 page book featuring Asian Cup football photography by Chad Gibson, interviews with past and present Socceroos, illustrations by Cecilia Humphrey and foreword by Ange Postecoglou, Head Coach of the victorious Socceroos team.

Chad Gibson travelled to Germany with the support of Nike, to personally present MMXV to the Socceroos in their first match after winning the Asian Cup. In 1974, the Socceroos competed in their first ever World Cup in Germany, as semi-professional athletes. In 2015 they returned as invited guests of the World Champions, as Asian Champions, making this match particularly meaningful in the context of Australian football history. The Socceroos squad gathered after their impressive draw against Germany in 2015 with Gibson, who explained the origins of the book, its significance for both Local FC and Nike Australia and gave the squad the opportunity to explore 'MMXV' together. The response was moving and powerful, with players reliving their experiences together and Socceroo, Trent Sainsbury, even stating: "The book is ten times greater than any medal."

In regards to how we designed the construction of the book itself, we specified the most superior uncoated stock to support Gibson's photography, and created a complex section-sewn book binding system which included a secondary uncoated powder green stock to demarcate games and highlight interviews. With matte gold traditional foiling detail and personalised numbering and name printing for the 23 Socceroos, 'MMXV' is an extremely limited-edition book to be treasured by the Socceroos. The book was gifted in a custom-designed, handmade bootbag/book-bag, including leather straps, and a leather tag with gold debossed detailing. Included in the gift was an exclusive 100% crepe-de-chine silk pocket-square, hand stitched and donning a photography by Gibson of the Socceroos in a huddle before their final, victorious match.

A huge thank you to all involved and we look forward to sharing more with you very soon.